When I first started this blog I posted about places in Ohio I would like to visit. I have visited some of them since then, but there are still many places on my list. Now as my time here is dwindling, there are sights and sounds around the state I want to spotlight. Some are old-time favorites, others I have been introduced to only recently and the rest are places on my to-do list. These places include restaurants, museums, gardens and other institutions, all reasons why I truly do love this state.

My last installment was the Sand Bar restaurant in Huron. Up this week is the Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead.

The lighthouse is on land that is a state park, which is free to enter. The lighthouse is on the shore of the main land, west across the Mosely Channel from Cedar Point and south of Kelley’s Island.I visited on an idyllic and hazy day (hence no good pictures of Cedar Point), but when a storm is coming or there’s lots of wind, this spot could easily become much less peaceful as the base of the lighthouse is just feet from Lake Erie.

Earlier this year, cracks were discovered in the tower, but officials determined they did not affect the structure and the lighthouse is still safe and visitors can continue to climb the 77 steps to the top for $2, which I did many years ago.

The lighthouse was built in 1821 and was 50 feet tall. Fifteen feet were added in 1903. The area became a state park in 1998.

The keeper’s house is open for tours as well, with information about the operation of lighthouses, the nearby quarry, and historical boating and shipping. Entry is free, but there is a donation box.

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is located at 110 Lighthouse Drive, Marblehead. Information about the park is available by calling the East Harbor State Park at 419-734-4424.